The Ultimate Sailing Jacket Buying Guide
Warmth, comfort and movement are key to achieving the best sailing experience. A way to tick all three boxes and more is with a quality sailing jacket. The insulation and warmth are musts during winter, but sailing jackets aren’t seasonal.
Even during the height of summer, sailing jackets are useful for protection from strong winds and rain we’re all too familiar with in Britain. Having a versatile sailing jacket on hand year-round is necessary, making it one of the most crucial items for anyone setting sail.
You know how important it is, but how do you choose one? Our guide at P&B will take you through the different kinds of sailing jackets, what you’ll need based on your activity, and the features you should look out for. Read on and find the perfect jacket for you today.
Table of contents
- What are the different types of sailing jackets?
- Benefits of sailing jackets
- The best sailing jackets for each type of sailing
- Features to look out for in sailing jackets
- Sailing jackets and trousers at P&B
What are the different types of sailing jackets?
Before choosing a sailing jacket, you must understand the different kinds. The three main sailing jackets you’ll find are inshore, coastal and offshore jackets. Once you can identify your needs for your specific discipline, the jacket selection process becomes much easier. Below, we’ve detailed each type’s purpose, design and functions for your consideration.
Inshore
Inshore sailing jackets are ideal for trips where the land is visible from either side of your boat. These jackets are often lightweight and comfortable and can be used for most outdoor activities. While style isn’t the priority for sailing jackets, inshore options include superb designs that make a great addition to your winter wardrobe. Most inshore jackets have plenty of room to store essential equipment and can withstand the relatively calm waters nearer the shore.
Coastal
Moving slightly further into the ocean. Coastal sailing jackets are most appropriate when sailing in sight of land but with the possibility of losing that sight for periods. While still lightweight, coastal jackets offer more protection from the stronger winds and harsher conditions you experience as you move further from the shore. Coastal jackets are ideal for day sails and overnight trips, and the stylish designs mean you wouldn’t look out of place wearing them on land, too.
Offshore
Offshore sailing jackets are for those who like to venture into the unknown and are designed to protect the strongest sailors. If you’re heading out to sea, you must be prepared for all eventualities. Challenging conditions are practically a guarantee, so an offshore jacket is required to protect you from the sharp, cold wind and water. Offshore jackets are heavier and equipped with warm pockets but still provide great flexibility, so you can stay dry while maintaining your performance levels.
Benefits of sailing jackets
No matter how far from shore you’re sailing, you’ll still benefit from the features and manufacturing decisions that make these jackets fit for the water. We’ve outlined some of the most important advantages of sailing jackets rather than just throwing on your regular rain coat.
Water and windproof
The essential features of any sailing jacket. Protection from water and wind is vital during any sailing, so it’s good that all high-quality sailing jackets will do just that. Shield yourself from blustery conditions and torrential downpours with durable and resilient jackets that increase your performance no matter the weather.
Breathability
While staying warm is essential on cold-weather sails, your journey can quickly become intense. In these cases, you’ll exert plenty of energy and must remain comfortable despite the conditions and your effort: this is where breathability comes in. Top-of-the-range sailing jackets feature breathable properties that help you stay comfortable and reach high performance without overheating. Comfort is key while you’re sailing, so ensure that your temperature doesn’t fluctuate dramatically with a good, breathable jacket.
Freedom of movement
All the effort and hard work you put into your journey doesn’t happen while standing still. Sailing requires you to be light on your feet and ready to react in the moment. To do this effectively, you need a healthy range of movement. Sailing jackets can appear restrictive, but jackets worth buying allow you to access your full range of motion without sacrificing protection. Ensure you allow yourself as much movement as possible by choosing the correct size. View our size guide to find the perfect fit.
Warmth and visibility
The prospect of taking to the seas without proper insulation is daunting. One of the sailing jacket’s primary functions is to protect you from the cold via a design that leaves room thermal and midlayers. Added warmth, like the visibility of sailing jackets, is a lifesaver when sailing further afield. Many jackets are highly reflective with hi-vis hoods, patches and detailing used to attract attention in low-light conditions.
Storage
An underrated benefit of sailing jackets is the easy access storage space they provide on the boat. During your sail, you may realise that a certain item may come in handy, so diving into one of several pockets to retrieve it quickly helps you stay in control with minimal wasted motion.
The best sailing jackets for each type of sailing
The type of sailing you partake in is a key factor in deciding what jacket you should choose. Distance from the shore, length of your sail and the climate you’re sailing in all play a role, and you must be prepared for all conditions.
Inshore jackets are ideal for casual sailing in favourable conditions. Even in mild rain and wind, these jackets will hold their own and sufficiently protect you while a short distance from shore. Day sails and journeys slighter further out call for coastal jackets. The extra protection will also come in handy in less kind weather.
Coastal jackets are ideal in sunny sailing hotspots like the US West Coast or Sydney as well as the UK for mild weather sailing and casual dinghy park wear, but colder climates may require something a bit more robust to defend against low temperatures. Offshore jackets are also the choice for long-distance journeys and crossings where you’ll be at sea for several days.
Features to look out for in sailing jackets
Knowing what you want and need from a sailing jacket is important with so many options. You should have a basic understanding of the necessary functions and additional perks you need for your sailing style. At P&B, we believe jackets with the majority of these features are worth considering:
- Strong waterproof and wind-resistant outer layers
- Warm, breathable lining
- Room for movement
- Deep outer pockets for additional equipment
- Lined inner pockets to keep accessories dry
- Reflective areas
- A warm fleeced collar
- An adjustable hood
- A two-way zipper
Sailing jackets and trousers at P&B
Find the perfect clothing for all kinds of sailing in any condition in our collection of sailing jackets and trousers at P&B. We’re committed to helping you reach top performance while remaining safe, warm and comfortable, and our range reflects that. Benefit from industry-leading design and innovative technology that can elevate your sailing experience.
Choose jackets from trusted and reliable brands, including Gill and Musto, for guaranteed quality and garments you can trust. With over 50 years of sailing experience at P&B, we want to help pass our knowledge on to budding new sailors ready to take on one of the most exciting and rewarding hobbies.
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